Mark Gatiss wasn't approached for Doctor Who showrunner role

'Sherlock' creator Mark Gatiss says he has no plans to write for 'Doctor Who' next season but says he was fine for not being approached as the showrunner position

Mark Gatiss wasn't approached to be the new 'Doctor Who' showrunner.

The 50-year-old screenwriter may have penned scripts for the sci-fi series for years and be best friends with departing boss Steven Moffatt but he has admitted he was never asked if he wanted to take over the job when the Scottish producer leaves this year - although he insists he's happy that Chris Chibnall has been chosen as the replacement.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at Attitude's Bachelors of the Year Awards 2017, in London, he said: "I'm fine I wasn't approached for the showrunner position."

And, although he insists he feels "fine" about the outcome, Gatiss doesn't know if he'll write any more storylines for the show in the future at the moment.

He explained: "I don't have any idea what will happen in the future. I don't have any plans to write for the show next year. It's nice to watch with no idea what will happen."

The future of the popular series is currently up in the air as bosses are on a frantic hunt to find a replacement for Peter Capaldi after he announced his decision to walk away from the programme as the Time Lord a few weeks ago following three years in the role.

Mark added: "I'm very sad Peter is leaving but the show depends on change."

And he thinks the show will benefit from casting a female as the time-travelling scientist.

He explained: "I absolutely do think the next Doctor could be a woman. It's a brilliant idea why not? Cannot argue that a character who has two hearts, is 2,000 years old, travels through time and space in a police box can't change sex."

Although the 'Sherlock' creator has his own list of potential people to play the Doctor, he refused to divulge his ideas as he believes it diminishes their chances of getting the part.